Protected cultivation of high value crops for sustainable income generation

Ri-Bhoi, 27 January 2017.

The KVK Ri-Bhoi organized a week long vocational training programme on ‘Protected Cultivation of High Value Crops for Sustainable Income Generation’ from 21 to 27 January 2017. The aim of the training was to enhance skill and knowledge on the protected cultivation of crops especially, vegetables during off season production, producing high quality vegetable nursery, cultivation of crops like gerbera, orchids, strawberry, etc to generate employment and income. Dr Utpal Barua (SMS Horticulture) selected 15 rural youth and farmers from Umden Mission and Umrynjah villages of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya for said training.

Practical sessions on poly-house construction, crop selection, land preparation, soil nutrition management and planting were undertaken. Pest and disease incidence and their management and nutrient management of soils in the polyhouse were thoroughly discussed with trainees using PPTs and film shows.

The seven-day endeavor ignited the minds of the participants for crop diversification and sustaining steady income through use of low cost polyhouse. The visit to Deliwh Horticulture farm gave a new idea of growing ferns inside polyhouse as fern is in high demand for bouquet preparation.